A devastated Louisiana community gathered to pay their respects during a heart-wrenching funeral service for the eight children killed in an April domestic shooting.
The service, held on May 9, 2025, at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, was attended by local residents, politicians, faith leaders, and others who came together to honor the lives of seven siblings and their cousin who were tragically killed in the attack.
Remembering the Eight Victims of the Tragic Shooting
The victims, all children, were identified as Jayla Elkins (3), Shayla Elkins (5), Kayla Pugh (6), Layla Pugh (7), Markaydon Pugh (10), Sariahh Snow (11), Khedarrion Snow (6), and Braylon Snow (5). The funeral service included emotional tributes from the community, as mourners wore pink, purple, and blue to honor the children’s memory.
Their white caskets were adorned with photos of each child, some featuring their favorite Disney characters. The congregation came together to pray, sing, and place flowers and crowns on the children’s caskets as part of a crowning ceremony to symbolize eternal life.
Words of Comfort from Faith Leaders and Politicians
Pastor Kim Burrell led the service, offering comforting words, telling the attendees, “God is still on the throne” even in the face of such an unimaginable tragedy. Bishop Bernard Kimble of the Mount Olive Baptist Church also spoke, reminding those present that “God is still good,” despite the sorrow they were feeling.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed his grief, saying, “Their presence was a gift: gentle, vibrant and full of promise. Their absence is now deeply felt.” Attendees were given pamphlets featuring tributes to each of the children, with details about their unique personalities and affectionate nicknames.
Khedarrion Snow was remembered for his “sweet and loving heart,” while Layla Pugh, who loved making TikTok videos, was described as “bright, intelligent, bold and full of love.”
A Heartbreaking Domestic Tragedy
The children were shot and killed on April 19, 2025, by Shamar Elkins, who was later fatally shot by police while fleeing in a carjacked vehicle. The attack, which occurred early in the morning at a Shreveport residence, was domestic in nature.
Seven of the eight victims were Elkins’ children, and the eighth was his cousin. Two women, Elkins’ wife and girlfriend, were also shot but survived the attack. A 12-year-old girl escaped by jumping off the roof, though she sustained multiple broken bones.
Following the crime, Shamar Elkins carjacked a man at gunpoint and attempted to flee. Police located the vehicle, pursued Elkins, and fatally shot him in Bossier Parish, about 30 miles from Shreveport.
State Honors the Victims
In honor of the victims, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry ordered that U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff at the Capitol and state government buildings for the next week. Landry described the children as “the light of their homes and the heart of their classrooms,” adding that their futures were full of promise before their lives were tragically cut short.
How to Seek Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for free, confidential support 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
